Which brewery is the next Sam Adams?

Stone brewing!!

 

Looks like New Belgium has really been revving up both distribution and number of beers... I would love it if Stone was more accessible also!

 

Sierra Nevada seems likely enough, although they seem to take different approaches to things...for both better and worse.

 

The breweries that have opened branches with even larger capacity in the east like Sierra Nevada, lagunitas in Chicago, Stone opening in Virginia, several in North Carolina- Oskar Blues, new Belgium. New Belgium has the big potential because their beers are approachable unlike Stone which beer geeks appreciate more than casual beer drinkers. Sam Adams produces over 60 beers a year and pick up every available taste therefore you will find a beer that works for you. New Belgium also has a large portfolio and may grow well if they increase distribution. not available yet in Massachusetts.

 

New Belgium or Goose Island?

Hell I'd almost prefer Sam Lager over Fat Tire anymore, NB's standard stuff has gone downhill.

 

Brewers Association list of breweries by capacity.
https://www.brewersassociation.org/attachments/0001/4525/CBP13_Top_50.pdf

 

I agree. While I think they will go to "the next level" - I'm not sure they'll ever have the mainstream appeal that Sam Adams enjoys. I think Boston Beer is 2-3 levels above them and I'd guess Stone probably likes it that way. For them to ever go that route, they'd probably have to tone back their hallmark powerful hop flavors. Palates are changing, but I'd dare say Stone's beers are intentionally unbalanced.

 

Since OP mentioned something about craft beer, I suppose the obligatory 'geese island isn't craft beer, by definition' statement is in order.

 

Those lists are not by capacity, but by actual sales.

 

As with most everyone it seems, my first two thoughts were Sierra Nevada and New Belgium. Many others, such as Rogue and Stone are available most everywhere, but SN and NB definitely have lineups with the most mass appeal.

 

My ‘vote’ is Sierra Nevada.

With the recent opening of the Mills River, NC brewery they now have the capacity to significantly expand production. They already have nationwide distribution so that box is already checked.

They have a flagship beer of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale which is the ‘functional equivalent’ of Sam Adams Boston Lager.

In 2014 and already in 2015 they have significantly ‘upped their game’ with seasonal and special releases. I personally bought a case of the Beer Camp collaborative beers, a 12-pack of the Fall variety pack, a 6-pack of their new year round beer of Nooner Pilsner and I am actively looking for a 6-packs of the new Hop Hunter IPA and Hoppy Lager.

The other positive for Sierra Nevada beers is that they represent great value; high quality beer at reasonable prices.

I don’t know if Sierra Nevada will get to the exact same production numbers of Sam Adams beers but I think they will get pretty close; just give it a few years.

Cheers to Sierra Nevada Brewing (@sierranevadabill)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Stone, Lagunitas, Sierra Nevada, and New Belgium are the first ones that come to mind

 

I would assume that many breweries would love to be the "next Sam Adams", but only in private.

 

“The Boston, MA-based brewery sold 2.1 million barrels of beer in 2012, according to the Brewers Association.”

“Second on our list is Chico, CA-based Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. which had a sales volume of just over 966,000 last year.”

http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2013/05/24/top-10-us-craft-breweries-by-sales-volume/

Cheers!